New Beginnings – A farewell and a new Director for Ideas Test

15th December, 2017

Jade

With the end of 2017 on the horizon, it is time to say a sad farewell to Ideas Test’s Director. Steph will be moving on to pastures new at the end of this year after having led the Ideas Test team for close to 5 years now, supporting an abundance of creative opportunities during her tenure. We wish Steph the very best in her future endeavours as Director at the Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft and as she prepares to depart, Steph says:

“It’s been a great time for me, full of challenges, exciting arts projects and working with some fantastic people and partners. Along the way I’ve tried new things and gone well out of my comfort zone at times. I’ve been proud to see work Ideas Test has commissioned and supported go on to tour, win awards, and most importantly of all delight and inspire local people. I’m also very proud of the work we’ve done with young people, supporting their creativity and employment opportunities, and with artists and creative practitioners to help them grow their skills and build sustainable businesses from what they do. I know Ideas Test will go on from strength to strength and I’m leaving it in good hands. It’s been a privilege working with everyone at Ideas Test, staff team, artists and participants, and I look forward to seeing what Ideas Test will do next.”

Joining Ideas Test as the new Director is Lucy Medhurst. Lucy lives in Swale, so knows the area well, and has lots to bring to the role. It’s an exciting time for all involved and we look forward to all of Ideas Test’s bright future plans.

Lucy says, “Over the course of my professional life I have maintained a strong interest in place and in the ways in which cultural activity and creative life enrich and positively impact identities and a sense of community belonging. I am delighted to be joining Ideas Test at an exciting time in its development, inheriting the great work put in place by Steph and her team. It will be a privilege to build on this solid foundation and to work with the communities stakeholders and partners in Swale and Medway to lead the organisation into the future.”

Ideas Test will of course continue to offer new arts and creative opportunities to people across Swale and Medway under Lucy’s guidance and the whole Ideas Test community is excited at the prospect of seeing our work with local artists and communities continue to develop and grow.

The Ideas Test team wishes everyone a lovely festive break and hope to see you back in 2018 to welcome Lucy and join in with our packed programme of creative activities.